Description
The Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground sausage, crispy tater tots, melty shredded cheese, and fluffy eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch option. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd, with simple ingredients that come together quickly and allow for versatile customization to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Other Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, sharp blend, or preferred variety)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Begin by browning the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to keep the bake balanced but flavorful.
- Prepare the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, creating a savory base that blends well with the sausage.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or seasonings until fully combined. This mixture will bind the casserole and provide a fluffy texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed onions evenly across the bottom. Arrange an even layer of frozen tater tots over the sausage mixture. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tots, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- Use fresh breakfast sausage for the best flavor compared to pre-cooked or pre-seasoned alternatives.
- Do not thaw tater tots before baking to ensure they come out crispy.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to make slicing and serving easier.
- Customize your cheese by mixing strong cheeses with mild cheddar for a rich balanced flavor.
- Avoid pouring too much egg mixture to prevent sogginess—just enough to coat the ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg